Celebrating all things rum at RumFest and London Rum Week

RumFest is back for 2018 on 20 and 21 October, and what’s more, London Rum Week has been launched to prolong the celebrations.

More than 400 rums from around the world will be brought together for RumFest when it returns on October 20 and 21 to London’s Earl’s Court. Dedicated mixologists, master blenders and rum specialists will take visitors on a rum pilgrimage to explore the exquisite and unique through tastings, masterclasses and an array of other unforgettable events.

This year, renowned global rum ambassador and RumFest founder Ian Burrell (pictured below) will be leading a one-off tasting, showcasing five rare and expensive rums with a combined retail value of £1,500, while RumFest Golden Tot Tokens will give visitors the opportunity to taste limited edition and premium rums. In addition, Saturday’s guests will be able to place their bids at the Rum Auction, with premium rums priced from £500 – £2000.

Sponsoring the main stage is London’s newest tropical escape bar Laki Kane. Co-founded by award-winning mixologist Georgi Radev, the bar produces innovative cocktails and makes all its syrups in-house without using refined sugars. Blending the finest rums, sugar cane syrups and a hand-picked selection of rare and exotic ingredients, the team at Laki Kane will be on hand to demonstrate their mixology expertise and passion for rum.

A variety of masterclass sessions, involving tutored rum and cocktail tasting by spirit tastings, will take place across the course of the weekend. Visitors can expect to hear from Angostura, La Hechicera, Velier, Canadian Rums, Appleton Rum, Flor de Caña, Real McCoy and Foursquare. There will also be a host of chef demos throughout the weekend from Shivi Ramoutar, The Modern Caribbean Chef and Hassan de Four.

RumFest is cranking it up a notch for 2018, prolonging the celebrations of one of the nation’s favourite tipples with the introduction of London Rum Week. Kicking off on Monday 15, a variety of rum-focused activities will take place across the capital, including the launch of Hampden Rum from one of Jamaica’s oldest distilleries at Usain Bolt’s new London bar Tracks & Records, a Q&A with five-time Emmy award-winning director and producer Bailey Pryor, a showcase of rare rums and cigars at La Casa del Habano with award-winning rum maker Richard Seale and much more.

The 6th Golden Rum Barrel Awards & Dinner, to be held at The Holiday Inn Kensington Forum, will round up the week of rum festivities on 21 October. The star-studded night will see awards given for the Best Rums of 2018, Best Rum Master, Best Rum Bar, Best Rum Brand Ambassador and Rum Influencer of the Year.

Speaking of this year’s events, Ian said: “RumFest is a fantastic chance to get the inside track on the next big thing in rum as well as try some hidden gems on the market. Last year proved once again that this is the event for anyone in the business of rum, with the world’s best brands, master blenders, distilleries and aficionados from across the globe. 2018 promises to raise the bar again with a few more surprises!”